Thursday, April 16, 2026

‘Sport Science’ is Returning. Where Will it Go?

  • Host and executive producer John Brenkus said the show won’t be on ESPN.
  • Bally Sports, Fox Sports, and even a Disney-owned property could be in the running.
Behind the scenes of Sports Science tv show
ESPN Sport Science

During its original run in the late 2000s, “Sport Science” was a cult hit as a segment of ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Now, the show is returning, according to its host and executive producer John Brenkus, who tweeted the news earlier this week and said he had a “big announcement coming.”

The twist? Brenkus says the revival won’t be on ESPN.

So now the question becomes where could the show end up?

Before being picked up by ESPN, Sport Science began its life on Fox Sports Networks, where it was distributed around the country to FSN regional sports networks. The Walt Disney Company acquired FSN as part of its purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019 — and Disney subsequently sold FSN to Sinclair Broadcast Group, who rebranded the RSNs to Bally Sports.

A return to the regional model on Bally is a possibility. Sport Science could also return to the Fox suite of programming on FS1, which Fox Sports still owns.

Disney is open to potentially selling an equity stake in ESPN.

Analyst: ESPN Spinoff ‘Probable’ in 2023

Disney announced Bob Iger’s return as CEO last month.
December 20, 2022

But, of course, you should never count out the Mouse.

Brenkus is the co-CEO of BASE Productions, a production company that largely makes reality TV programming. One of BASE’s shows is “Crime 360,” which airs on A&E — a joint venture between Disney and Hearst Communications — and streams on Disney-owned Hulu.

So while Brenkus may not have been lying when he said “Sport Science” would not be on ESPN, it could end up on a property owned by the sports network’s parent — potentially on streamers Hulu and/or Disney+.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Miz Stephen A. Smith WWE

ESPN Going All Out for WWE WrestleMania in Las Vegas

There has been plenty of crossover between ESPN and WWE this week.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

Efforts to Fight Sports Streaming Fragmentation Ramp Up in D.C.

“It’s not only confusing, it’s also damn expensive.”
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

NBA Viewership Up 16% in Year 1 of New Media Deal

The league faced heavy scrutiny last year for its declining ratings.
ESPN's Jay Bilas speaks during ESPN's 'College GameDay' broadcast ahead of No. 4 Tennessee's basketball game against No. 10 Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
exclusive

Bilas to Fill Malone’s Role on ESPN NBA Playoff Coverage

Bilas will call playoff games alongside Ryan Ruocco.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.
LaChina Robinson Sarah Kustok
exclusive
April 15, 2026

LaChina Robinson, Sarah Kustok Expected to Join WNBA on NBC

NBC’s WNBA coverage continues to take shape.
Feb 7, 2022; Westlake Village, CA, USA; ESPN reporter Dianna Russini at Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Opening Night at Oaks Christian High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
April 15, 2026

What’s Next for Dianna Russini? Sports Media Insiders Debate Her Future

Russini has made it clear she plans to continue her career.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 14, 2026

Amazon Broadcast Crashes in Final Minute of Its Biggest NBA Game Yet

Viewers missed 22 critical seconds of the Hornets-Heat game.
April 14, 2026

Rory Triumph Delivers 14M Masters Viewers for CBS, Most Since 2015

CBS peaked with more than 20 million viewers Sunday.
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit:
April 14, 2026

Dianna Russini Resigns From The Athletic After Mike Vrabel Photos

The Athletic previously sidelined Russini from reporting as it investigated.
Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
April 14, 2026

Masters Disaster: Why CBS Sports’s Coverage Went Off the Rails

TV experts offer their theories on what went wrong.